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That’s Life

Chicago Loves Gardens

Posted by Joan-Marie Moss on July 14, 2011 Business - Not As Usual, That's Life

Jul 142011

We talked about gardens used for landscapes and how some people face opposition to their efforts to plant gardens in their front yards. Here is what's happening in Chicago – the city often called the "Concrete Jungle" in years past. is surprisingly green-minded. Even on densely populated streets of 3-story row houses, we find people planting and enjoying a variety of home-grown vegetables raised right there in their front yards.These are two of three houses on such a street in what is called Ukrainian Village just 2-3 miles from the Chicago Loop. Each one of them has chosen to make [Click here to see the rest of the story]

Can We Risk Ignoring History?

Posted by Joan-Marie Moss on July 11, 2011 Business - Not As Usual, That's Life

Jul 112011

I've been watching with dismay, the most recent struggles in Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and other states…the struggles of the middle class and of workers everywhere are rising to fever pitch. How does one person like myself do or say anything that can shed light or make sense of the insanity that rages in today's politics? I had no answer…. …until I watched the PBS program on the Triangle Fire. I watched it and wept. Just 100 years ago America saw what happens…. http://video.pbs.org/video/1817898383 …and some today are hell-bent on reliving such catastrophies yet again. What's truly sad, is that in [Click here to see the rest of the story]

3 Steps Toward Building Your Legacy

Posted by Joan-Marie Moss on July 7, 2011 Seniors, That's Life, Writers

Jul 072011

Your legacy should be a life-long project. It's never too soon to start working on it. We may have many years ahead – but then do we? Youngsters in their 20s and 30s are just as prone to dying as elderly citizens of retirement age. When I talk about legacy, I'm not interested in the bank accounts and house and private yacht you'll be including in your will. I'll leave that to the lawyers and the counselors. Think about the personal things that define who you are, your experiences, beliefs and contributions to your family history and society. I'm talking [Click here to see the rest of the story]

Happy 4th of July

Posted by Joan-Marie Moss on July 4, 2011 Business - Not As Usual, That's Life

Jul 042011

Today, America's 235th Birthday, we Americans have so much to be thankful for. While celebrating let's remember what it is we're celebrating. . In the face of strife and bloodshed a new country was founded on the premise that ALL people have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. it was an all-inclusive vision. This was really radical at the time. We've struggled to maintain that ideal for a very long time. We're still struggling for that. Today, I think of all the struggles facing America, all the new laws that are being enacted to opress various [Click here to see the rest of the story]

Adventures On The 4th – And Beyond

Posted by Joan-Marie Moss on July 3, 2011 Business - Not As Usual, Chicago, Seniors

Jul 032011

Some days leave your head spinning. This 4th of July certainly did that for me. I'm not even sure how to classify this post, but I want to share. It began with taking my daughter to O'Hare Airport. Oh, the excitement! She was taking off for a week-long trip to Mexico City. Now, I've always wanted to go to Mexico City but I had no idea what a wonderful trip it would be until she started planning her trip. What an elegant city! And I understand the images of the hostel that she planned to stay at were dwarfed by [Click here to see the rest of the story]

Appreciation of Seniors and Their Caregivers

Posted by Joan-Marie Moss on June 15, 2011 Business - Not As Usual, Seniors

Jun 152011

Lest we forget… Our seniors and their care givers deserve nothing but the best! This generation of seniors ushered in a world of unbelievable convenience and possibilities. The Government Connecting Generations Video Challenge winner is a testament to their legacy. http://challenge.gov/challenges/142/submissions/2960-generation-appreciation

The Creative Arts Open New Horizons For Seniors

Posted by Joan-Marie Moss on June 12, 2011 Business - Not As Usual, Seniors, Writers

Jun 122011

Writing, painting and other creative pursuits are probably some of the most misunderstood occupations a person can aspire to…and yet, I encourage all seniors to try their hand at these pursuits. At a time when ageism is rampant and most seniors find it next to impossible to find viable employment and to secure little more than opportunities to volunteer their services, they need to find activities that are challenging and that offer a feeling of accomplishment. The arts afford seniors a unique opportunity to express themselves and contribute something of themselves. Pursuing the arts is a natural and worthy outlet [Click here to see the rest of the story]

Has the Internet Made Your Life Easier?

Posted by Joan-Marie Moss on June 2, 2011 Business - Not As Usual, Seniors

Jun 022011

The internet can certainly be addictive. With each passing day I discover a new nook or cranny that cries out to be discovered and a new button that insists that I click on it "Right this minute!". Keeping Up To Date With the Best I have developed habit of bookmarking the more interesting sites I come across hoping to go back again when time permits. My bookmark list is downright awesome.Unfortunately, by the time I get back to checking them out, half of them have disappeared into the ether never to be found again.It's little better than last year's telephone [Click here to see the rest of the story]